IT was fun in the sun, music and goodies galore for hundreds of orphans when Food for the Poor (FFP) hosted its annual ‘Angels of Hope’ day of celebration, last Friday, at Carifesta Sports Complex, on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown. The day’s programme kicked off with a grand, colourful parade and march past, conducted with pride, dignity and the salute was taken by FFP’s Executive Director, Mr. Leon Davis and Chairman, Mr. Paul Chan-a-Sue.
For the excited and jubilant band of children, drawn from eight orphanages across the country sponsored by FFP, the occasion presented them with an opportunity to meet fellow orphans from different homes.
Among the things reinforced were respect for the National Anthem and National Pledge; giving God thanks for his mercies; respect for authorities; the need to be disciplined; team spirit; the attitude of sharing and caring; playing together; striving for excellence; learning to accept the judges’ decision and taking it in stride, as well as determination to do better after defeat.
The added feature, this year, bringing about a greater sense of ownership was that, unlike previous times when FFP prepared banners for each contingent, this year, the orphanages were encouraged to do so and did produce their own.
They produced interesting creations, all of which were highly commended by Davis, who addressed the gathering and, at the end of the parade, winning orphanages were presented with trophies.
There were medals and other prizes for winners of various events in which the children participated, like Late-for-School, Lime and Spoon, Sack and three-legged races.
Other games played included 10-point shootout basketball, tug-o-war and academic quizzes.
The orphans were from:
* Bright Horizon Family Home, Kuru Kururu, Solesdyke/Linden Highway;
* Bless the Children Home, Industry Front, St. John’s Bosco, Plaisance and Mahaica Children’s Home, Mahaica, all on East Coast Demerara;
* Camal Home, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice;
* Save -R-Kids, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara;
* Ruimveldt Children’s Home, Freeman Street, East La Penitence and Joshua House, Thomas Street, in Georgetown, too.